DEPOSITION OF DAVID RODGERS Co-Pilot and Flight Log Keeper — Giuffre v. Maxwell
David Rodgers served as co-pilot alongside chief pilot Larry Visoski on Jeffrey Epstein's aircraft fleet for over a decade, beginning in the mid-1990s. Rodgers was primarily responsible for maintaining the handwritten flight logs that recorded passenger names, departure and arrival points, and flight dates for Epstein's Boeing 727-31 (N908JE), commonly known as the "Lolita Express," as well as other aircraft in the fleet. These flight logs became among the most consequential pieces of documentary evidence in the Epstein investigation.
FLIGHT LOG PRACTICES: Rodgers testified in detail about the procedures for recording passenger information. He stated that he maintained handwritten logs in which he recorded the names of passengers boarding each flight. Rodgers acknowledged that the recording process was informal and that not every passenger was always logged. He testified that passengers were sometimes identified only by first name, by description, or not at all, particularly on shorter flights between Epstein's properties. Rodgers stated that the logs were not maintained for regulatory compliance purposes related to passenger identity but rather as an informal record kept at Epstein's direction.
ROUTES AND FREQUENCY: Rodgers described the typical flight routes operated by Epstein's aircraft. The most frequent routes connected Teterboro Airport in New Jersey (serving New York), Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, Cyril E. King Airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands (serving Little St. James Island), and various international destinations including Le Bourget Airport near Paris, Luton Airport near London, and airports in the Caribbean. Rodgers testified that during active periods, the aircraft might operate multiple flights per week, with Epstein frequently moving between his properties.
PASSENGER OBSERVATIONS: When questioned about the passengers he observed on flights, Rodgers acknowledged that the aircraft regularly carried young women. He testified that he observed female passengers of varying ages but, like Visoski, claimed he was unable to determine whether any were underage. Rodgers stated that his duties were confined to the cockpit and that he did not typically interact extensively with passengers during flights. He acknowledged that some passengers appeared young but stated he made no inquiries about their ages.
THE BOEING 727 CONFIGURATION: Rodgers provided testimony about the interior layout of the Boeing 727, confirming that the aircraft was configured with a main passenger cabin, a private bedroom area in the rear of the aircraft, and other compartments. He testified that the aircraft was used for both domestic and international travel and that its configuration allowed for privacy in the rear sections, which were separated from the main cabin.
HIGH-PROFILE PASSENGERS: Rodgers confirmed that the flight logs recorded the names of numerous prominent individuals who flew on Epstein's aircraft. He testified about the process of recording these names and stated that the logs reflected passengers he personally observed boarding the aircraft. The flight logs became a primary source for identifying individuals connected to Epstein and were widely cited in media coverage of the case. Rodgers acknowledged the presence of well-known political figures, business leaders, and other public personalities on the manifests.
MAXWELL ON FLIGHTS: Rodgers confirmed that Ghislaine Maxwell was among the most frequent passengers on Epstein's aircraft. He testified that Maxwell appeared on numerous flights over the years and that she was regularly present when Epstein traveled between his properties. Rodgers described Maxwell as a regular fixture on the aircraft, consistent with other testimony establishing her central role in Epstein's social and operational network.
COMPARISON WITH VISOSKI TESTIMONY: Rodgers' deposition testimony was broadly consistent with that of chief pilot Larry Visoski, though Rodgers provided more specific detail about the flight logs themselves, as he was their primary author. Both pilots acknowledged the presence of young women on flights while professing ignorance of any criminal conduct. Legal analysts noted that the pilots' testimony established a factual record of the logistics of Epstein's travel while carefully avoiding admissions of knowledge about the purposes of that travel.
EVIDENTIARY SIGNIFICANCE: The flight logs maintained by Rodgers became one of the most referenced documents in the Epstein case. They were used by investigators, journalists, and attorneys to establish connections between Epstein and individuals who traveled on his aircraft. The logs were introduced as evidence in multiple legal proceedings and were published by media organizations, generating significant public interest and debate. Rodgers' testimony about the logs' creation and limitations was essential context for their interpretation.